MOMania

By Elaine Merritt

March 20, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

I just bought one for my grandchildren last year from Toys R Us $1200.00. They love it! The trick is finding someone to put the monster together!!

By Jeff

March 20, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

This is a topic I too am interested in, but I have nothing to add as far as tips on the questions. So I’ll mostly be lurking today, unless someone says something worth commenting on.

By Theresa

March 20, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

where is jesse’s girl?? Did i miss her yesterday?? maybe cause her daughter had the chicken pox???

By Jeff

March 20, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

OK, reread the article and there IS something I can contribute!

Regarding the mulch:

Back when I was building playgrounds as part of community service projects with that national organization I worked with - we partnered with an organization called KaBOOM! - we were trained to ALWAYS put the mulch down - and you should have SEEN the piles of it! It was supposed to be about a foot deep throughout the play area, I think. (The last build I did with them was back in ‘02.)

Now, the playgrounds that I played on as a kid almost never had mulch, and in my experience I prefer the no mulch. (I always found that while the actual impact itself may be lessened from the mulch, the mulch always hurt more to land on!)

So there you have the opinions of a Habitat-type organization that builds playgrounds all around the country, and a grown-up kid that had plenty of playground experience. HOPEFULLY it helps!

By Stan

March 20, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

For “standing the test of time” I suggest 1 that is set into the ground with concrete, is all wood (non pressure treated but naturally weather resistant), and most definatly you need the multch. It provides the cushion for when the kiddies fall down.

As for what is most fun. Take your kids to the parks or friends houses and let them see what is fun.

Good luck Stan

By PHR

March 20, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

We just bought one this past fall. We searched all over for the right set because we have an active boy. We decided to get one that goes in the ground because we felt it was much more sturdy. We have not put the mulch down and we will not be putting it down.
Our playset has tarps on two different forts and they are more like the camping tarps not the material tarps. I think they could possibly last longer or if not they would be easy to replace. The playset has a climbing wall, 2 forts, 2 regular swings, 1 double swing, a slide, and a rope to climb. It keeps our son busy for hours. We ended up spending close to $800 for the entire playset & installation. If you plan on doing the installation yourself then double or more the number of hours it will take based on the instruction booklet.

By Stan

March 20, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

Oh yeah! Research your installer/contractor as much oor more than you do the type of play equipment!!! Correct installation is crucial to safety as well as long life of equipment.

Stan

By JJ

March 20, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

I have a couple of friends who have bought these playsets, and they put them by themselves. One guy made his for his daughter over the weekend, and the other guy, it took him about two weeks, because of the weather.

I would definately put some sort of mulch or cushion under your play set. At schools and parks, the rule is at least 2 inches. It will save from serious injuries…… Definately put some kind of cushion under these playsets, and get them anchored into the ground, or they can fall over.

There is a guy, Rick Dual, who has many playsets on display at Hamilton Mill and I-85. He used to be in Duluth at Pleasant Hill and Buford Hwy. He does beautiful work!

By CPT

March 20, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

We used http://www.recreationaloutdoorequipment.net/ and have been very happy with the playset. It’s a very small company - just two guys that come to your house and design a custom set for your yard.

We paid around $1800 including all our ‘add ons’ and installation. Their packages start around $1000.

By FCM

March 20, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

@DiedreNC—move over in the boat, I will help you row. I was laid off yesterday. We are both going to keep our chins up, believe He has something for us, and pray (along with active looking)…..

I know this is not on topic. The ‘regulars’ will understand. Also, I may not be on the board as much as I’d like.

2 kids, dbd, and now no paycheck….who wants to trade?

Yep, done ‘b!#&ing”…..back to the regularly scheduled program.

By Theresa

March 20, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

FCM — I am so sorry!! Was it unexpected?? Are there job openings in your field other places?? Will you have to move or switch career paths? Holy cow - I can’t even imagine how scary!!

By deidre_NC

March 20, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

FCM-i am so sorry!! i hope you were not totally shocked as i was when it happened to me…somehow the shock is soooo demoralizing..yeah! keep your chin up-keep praying and knowing the Lord has a plan. i am having really bad luck finding a job. some days it is very depressing and i have to struggle to get back up. my daughter in atlanta has gone back to waitressing because she couldnt find a job. times are rough. everywhere. maybe we should have a topic on this and how to cope and keep from falling into a deep depresion. i hate to take up regualr blog space with this—i will keep you in my prayers FCM!!!

By deidre_NC

March 20, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

FCM-i am so sorry!! i hope you were not totally shocked as i was when it happened to me…somehow the shock is soooo demoralizing..yeah! keep your chin up-keep praying and knowing the Lord has a plan. i am having really bad luck finding a job. some days it is very depressing and i have to struggle to get back up. my daughter in atlanta has gone back to waitressing because she couldnt find a job. times are rough. everywhere. maybe we should have a topic on this and how to cope and keep from falling into a deep depresion. i hate to take up regualr blog space with this—i will keep you in my prayers FCM!!!

By FCM

March 20, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

@Theresa—unexpected? yes & no…..the economy is in an interesting path. Investors still demand double digit growth. However, the market cannot stustain that growth indefinately. The investors do not want to hear this….While ‘offshoring models’ make short term double digit growth a possibility it weakens the ‘middle class’ because the somewhat ‘lucrative’ jobs go overseas. So it wss no in the point of the economy and that ‘areas of opportunity’ were being looked at throughout the company. It was a yes in that by most business standards I personally would be an unlikely cadidate…..I personally believe (and have for sometime) that this country’s companies are selling the nation piece by palatable piece to the markets of India and China….Since the late 80’s economist have said WWIII would be a bloodless war, just an economic one.

Hopefully the American people (who really should have given Romney a chance—-he pulled many companies out of economic turmoil w/o offshoring) will eventually wake up and demand that some of our outdated models be stopped….The two biggest things we should be considered with is the current ‘unlimited money printing’ in DC that has allowed the dollar to drop in value (to almost twice less than the Euro) and the increased inflation we have not seen since Jimmy Carter. The other is that middle class keeps funding these money machines through payroll taxes….the ‘rich’ do not pay these because they do not collect a ‘paycheck’ (or if they do the taxes of it offset their real income of dividends on investments). Of course the indigent don’t pay taxes either…therfore its avg Joe worker who supports the economy and frankly putting avg Joe out of a job isn’t helping anything now is it?

(Yes all that belongs over on Wooten’s blog)—-

As to Job Openings….there are always job available….will they meet my needs, my goals, my financial obligations? That remains to be seen. I am hopeful and am already very actively working…those networking ‘feelers’ will ccontacted as well….The support (either from the boards, my friends/family, church, etc will keep me up and positive). Moving? That is something I was already considering….while the timing and reality of the event was unexpected, I have felt in my gut a need to move on…With the school year end approaching, this is the prime time for these changes. So while I prefer it had been my decision, my terms, the overall outlook isn’t as horrible as it could be (plus I do not have a mortgage to worry on…I reject that idea a year ago when I saw the economy turn despite very lucrative terms and it being a buyers market).

Career path? I would love to continue in my field. I feel that there are positions out there, however, if an opportunity in another area were open I would not hesitate to move forward. Life is about growth….if we stagnate we die. Therefore if my skill set lends itself to a new path, I will openly accept the learning and challege of proceeding.

I am remind of two things I was told: If He gives it to you nobody can take it away (So I have to see what He is giving me). There is good news and bad news in the ‘Valley of the Shadows’… bad news: if your on hilltop, your turn to fall into a valley is coming up. Good news: if your in valley, your turn on the hill is coming!

By fk

March 20, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

FCM—-So sorry. That bites. A little over two years ago, my husband was let go from the company to which he was a dedicated and loyal employee for 20 years. Needless to say, it was quite a blow.

He could’ve accepted a position and transferred out of state, but I was not willing, for several reasons. He found a job rather quickly, but took a major pay cut. He wound up following a slightly different growth path professionally.

Looking back, it was the best thing that could’ve ever happened. He is so much more content at the this job, although he is a bit cynical about loyalty. He is only about $5K—-he took almost a $25% pay cut—- below his income from the previous job.

In the meantime, I went back to work. Unfortunately, I, too, was let go and have been out of work—-since Nov. However, I’ve been picky, although I am changing my tune. I’ve not been seeking fulltime employment, but looking for 25-30 hrs/week. Those jobs are hard to find, but they are out there. I have a couple of possibilities that I’m waiting on.

Both my husband and I have found that networking works best. Any job I’ve had that was worth having, has been was obtained via networking. My husband got his job thru a former colleague. Things happen for a reason. Remain positive and open. Good luck.

By JJ

March 20, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

FCM So sorry to hear that. My heart goes out to you and Diedre.

Good luck to you two and I will keep you in my thoughts.

Keep you chins up, and please post and let us “regulars” know how you are doing.

What line of work are you in?

By girl drama

March 20, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

We got a set last year from Play Nation. They are expensive but great, and usually have a free install in the deal. You will pay $1200 up to infinity depending on how tricked out you want. We wanted the tunnel slide and a built in playhouse, 3 swings and a large fort above - we ended up around $3.5K after it was all said and done. So when the princess of the house decides to move out she can move right on into that plush little house out back!

By Becky

March 20, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

We were given a nice swing set & my husband added on a playhouse to it. Then next to it, he built the grandkids a T-P..They love it..We have woods behind our house that they can play in. Plus we took an old swimming pool & filled it with sand for them..This has worked well for us for the last 3 years..

By mk

March 20, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Our wonderfull governor isn’t helping to provide jobs in Georgia. With all the hail damage this past weekend, a company from MD is coming down and taking the work right out from under the shops that employ persons whom pay taxes to this state. Why in the world would he allow that with GA workers in such need of employment? Stupid politicians-that’s why!

By mk

March 20, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

And it’s your friendly State Farm and Allstate companies that are behind the outsourcing of labor from our state. Thank you lousy jerks that charge us double insurance rates then take the work away from us!!

By Together for 12

March 21, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Theresa, A sandbox is great, but I would not have it as part of your jungle gym UNLESS you can get a cover for it. If you can’t get a cover and make sure your kids do cover it when they’re done, you may want to avoid a sand box. Why? Most neighborhoods have at least a few loose kitties. Kitties + sand box = poo in your kids’ sand box!

Soft mulch around the playground set is a must for safety. Who in there life has NOT fallen off a playset?

Good luck, I read on with great interest!

By Kat

March 21, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

Hi Theresa. For us, we found it was best to go to Play Nation and see what our son played on from among the numerous choices. Even if the styles were different, there were options on them that he gravitated to. Also, you can get the “houses” underneath and get a door or not (extra for a door, of course). Ours did not have a sandbox/tire swing but the house underneath and fort on top. We decided blue so it would look too armyish (not that there is anything wrong with that). Also, you can get a “babysitter/mom” swing for the supervising adult, which is so nice. The one thing that I thought (and continue to think) is odd and dangerous are the monkey bars (which we did not put on our set) because you go up the ladder, go across, and there is no way to get into the fort. It just stops. I would prefer some place to go for safety reasons. The salesman said it’s safer so the kid doesn’t fall out of the fort, which makes some sense, but you might also fall off the bars if there is no place to go. Our set has room for three swings, a house with fort on top, a slide, and a rope climbing thing. Our slide options (all of these things are interchangeable at Play Nation) on the one we chose was one short slide and one covered one that went around and around. I opted for one “two-story” slide and to close up the fort up top because a) a small slide gets boring REAL quick and b) I didn’t want to have to go in and try to clean whatever the weather/animals might leave between play times. There are plenty of places to go for the curly slides - parks, McD, etc. And, we have a slight incline in the yard and they bring the appropriate equipment to account for that.

By Been There

March 21, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

My husband put ours together in one long weekend, plus one evening of help from a friend to get the roof lifted up onto the playhouse area.

If your husband is not the handy type, you should definitely pay someone to set it up for you. It takes strength as well as some construction ability.

By also

March 21, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

It may be best to leave the sandbox idea alone as it’s a typical breeding area for head lice.

By kata

March 21, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

hey Been There, my husband’s not the handy type, but I am. do I still need to pay someone else to do the hard MEN’S work for me?

-a mom who is annoyed with sexist stereotypes

By Been There

March 24, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Kata, So sorry to annoy you. I am actually pretty handy myself, but only 5’ 3” tall and 115 lbs. No way I could lift up the already assembled. With these pre-fab sets, lots of the pieces are too heavy for the average woman to lift. It would take too much of the fun out of a new playset for the kids to find their mom crushed under one of the beams.

By Helen

April 1, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

We just ordered a swingset from Kid’s Creations. We got a great deal and I am excited about its arrival. I will update once we get it in a month.

By Jenn

April 8, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

We bought our set through craigslist. As kids get older they lose interest in their swingset and their parents are willing to let go of the set for a fraction of the cost. Be ready to pounce, though. The good ones go fast. We got a Rainbow swingset with redwood, fort, 10ft slide, climbing wall, monkey bars, and three swings for $200 when it cost over $2000 new, three years ago. Must be prepared to have a way to move the set and the tools to take it apart and put back together. My husband was able to take it down within two hours and we (just the two of us) had the entire set back together in our yard by the end of the next day. It was actually easier to do it this way (buying used) as opposed to putting it together from the beginning

By Tom Dutton

May 12, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Our Neighbors recommened Mighty Swings Backyard Playsets. I did alot of research of this matter reviewing the safety and details of the choice of wood. Beware of lumber that is not approved for Playground Use. The lumber could contain chemicals that will cause major Respitory problems from your kids hand to mouth conatact. You can usually smell the chemicals in newer wood because it’s wet and tell poor grade by an extreme amount of knots in pine. Redwood looks nice but not designed for ground contact and will rot eventually. We ended up Purchasing from Mighty Swings. They have an Showroom indoors that allowed our kids enough room to truly play and test the swing sets. They were very professional from start to finish. We endend up with the Mighty Swings Classic deisgn, it’s a great deal.Our kids play on their new playground now every chance they get. Backyard Playsets beat going to the park! Oh and we got free delivery and installation that was ingrounded.